The Broadway sensation Wicked is finally making its leap from stage to screen in 2025, and it’s already generating massive buzz across entertainment news, social media, and movie review platforms. One of the biggest talking points surrounding the release is the Wicked Rotten Tomatoes score — a crucial benchmark for both fans and potential viewers. But what does this score really mean? How does Wicked stack up against other Broadway-to-film adaptations? And what are critics and fans saying?
In this comprehensive 2500+ word guide, we will explore the Wicked Rotten Tomatoes rating, the background of the film and musical, its critical reception, fan reactions, and its implications for the musical-to-movie genre.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Wicked: From Stage to Screen
- The Importance of Rotten Tomatoes Scores
- What Is Wicked? Plot and Musical Origins
- The Making of the Wicked Movie
- Wicked Rotten Tomatoes Score: The Early Numbers
- What Critics Are Saying About Wicked
- Fan Reactions Across Social Media
- Comparing Wicked to Other Broadway Adaptations
- Box Office Predictions and Early Reception
- Future of Wicked: Part Two and Beyond
- Final Thoughts
Introduction to Wicked: From Stage to Screen
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has become one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the musical serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Its exploration of friendship, identity, and power dynamics captivated audiences for years. Now, two decades later, Hollywood has brought Wicked to life on the big screen — and critics were eager to weigh in.
The Importance of Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Rotten Tomatoes is one of the most trusted review aggregators in the world. It compiles professional critic reviews and audience reactions to produce a percentage-based “Tomatometer” score.
- Certified Fresh: A movie with a score of 75% or higher based on at least 80 reviews.
- Fresh: A score between 60% and 74%.
- Rotten: A score below 60%.
This score significantly influences moviegoers’ decisions. A high score can boost ticket sales, while a low score can deter even the most enthusiastic fans.
What Is Wicked? Plot and Musical Origins
Before analyzing its Rotten Tomatoes performance, it’s important to understand the source material and why it carries so much emotional and cultural weight.
Plot Summary
Wicked tells the backstory of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Her journey intersects with Glinda, a perky and privileged blonde who eventually becomes Glinda the Good Witch. Their evolving friendship, political complications in Oz, and moral dilemmas are the heart of the story.
Stage Success
Since opening on Broadway, Wicked has grossed over $1.5 billion in ticket sales, making it one of the top-grossing shows in history. Its songs — including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good” — have become anthems in musical theatre culture.
The Making of the Wicked Movie
Director and Cast
The 2025 film adaptation of Wicked is directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) and stars:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
Chu’s decision to split Wicked into two parts stirred mixed reactions, but the ambition of the production is undeniable.
Wicked Rotten Tomatoes Score: The Early Numbers
As of July 2025, Wicked: Part One has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 81% (Certified Fresh) from critics and 87% from audiences.
Breakdown:
- Critics Score (81%) – Based on 140+ reviews
- Audience Score (87%) – Based on 2,000+ verified ratings
This indicates a strong reception, especially considering the sky-high expectations surrounding the adaptation.
What Critics Are Saying About Wicked
Let’s dive into the themes emerging from critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and beyond.
Positive Reviews
Peter Travers (ABC News):
“Wicked sings and soars, both literally and emotionally. Cynthia Erivo delivers a masterclass in acting and vocal range.”
Variety:
“A breathtaking, magical experience that honors the original stage production while bringing cinematic flair.”
Rolling Stone:
“Jon M. Chu balances spectacle with heart. Ariana Grande proves her Broadway chops and then some.”
Mixed to Negative Reviews
The Guardian:
“Visually extravagant but occasionally feels bloated. The two-part format stretches the narrative thin.”
IndieWire:
“While the performances shine, the pacing lags in the second act. Wicked’s magic flickers at times but never fully dims.”
